Method and System for Generating Non-Thermal Plasma

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for generating non-thermal plasma which can form reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as those used to neutralize bacteria and other pathogens in the air and surrounding area. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for neutralizing bacteria and other pathogens using ROS generated through the use of non-thermal plasma. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for generating ROS. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for treating air and nearby surfaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/922,975, filed 26 Oct. 2015, now pending, which claims the benefit ofU.S. provisional application No. 62/187,410, filed 1 Jul. 2015, whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully setforth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for generatingnon-thermal plasma which can form reactive oxygen species, which inturn, can be used to neutralize bacteria and other pathogens in the airand surrounding area. The present invention also relates to anapparatuses and methods for neutralizing bacteria and other pathogensusing reactive oxygen species generated through the use of non-thermalplasma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters do nothave the capability to deal with all aspects of indoor air pollution.Although HEPA filters may be effective at filtering out as much as99.97% of air borne particles that have a size of 0.3 μm or larger, theyare not always effective at treating or removing airborne contaminantsmade up of microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria smaller than 0.3 μm,all of which are potentially harmful. The inventions disclosed herein,through new devices for and new methods of producing Reactive OxygenSpecies (“ROS”), have the ability to treat and remove airbornecontaminants using processes that produce a non-thermal plasma fieldfrom ambient air within a reaction chamber.

One of ordinary skill in the art would understand “non-thermal plasma”to refer to plasma that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium. Inparticular, as used herein, “non-thermal plasma” refers to plasma thatis produced by a process that does not involve the use or generation ofsubstantial heat; in other words, the temperature of the fluid used togenerate the plasma (e.g., ambient air) is not substantially increasedduring the process of generating plasma. It is known in the art thatnon-thermal plasma contains reactive forms of oxygen, i.e., ROS, thathave a much higher reactivity than oxygen in the form of stable oxygenmolecules, which include atomic oxygen, singlet oxygen, hydrogenperoxide, superoxide anion, tri-atomic oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Itis known that ROS can react with particles as small as and smaller thanabout 0.3 microns. The antimicrobial properties of ROS in the air and onsurfaces is known, and the mechanisms by which ROS inactivate bacteriahas been studied. See, e.g., Suresh G. Joshi, M. Cooper, A. Yost, M.Paff, U. K. Ercan, G. Fridman, G. Friedman, A. Fridman, and A. D.Brooks, “Nonthermal dielectric-barrier discharge plasma-inducedinactivation involves oxidative DNA damage and membrane lipidperoxidation in Escherichia coli,” Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy,vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 1053-1062, March 2011 (which article is incorporatedby reference in its entirety into this application). It is understood,for example, that the different ROS attach themselves to the surfaces ofcontaminants and other pathogens at bond sites to create strongoxidizing radicals. These radicals draw out the hydrogen that is presentin these contaminants and other pathogens, breaking down the surfacemembranes and rendering them inactive (in other words, neutralizing thecontaminants and pathogens). The end result may be that the hydroxideand hydrogen radicals combine and form water, and the contaminants andpathogens are inactivated and neutralized. Viruses, however, are bundlesof nucleic acid surrounded by a protein bases capsid. When viruses areexposed to ROS both the capsid and viral RNA can be destroyed.

Furthermore, the ROS generated in the non-thermal plasma fieldsdescribed herein can also breakdown Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).When carbon based VOCs (alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones) pass throughthe non-thermal plasma, the covalent bonds in the molecules can bebroken, which can also produce carbon dioxide and/or oxygen.

Unlike many other low energy technologies, the present invention avoidsproducing toxic intermediates. The inventions disclosed herein can beused for food preservation, in medical applications, and otherindustries in which airborne contaminants can be problematic.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the inventions disclosed is to provide a system and methodfor utilizing ambient air to generate ROS to neutralize pathogens,viruses and volatile organic compounds from the air for the purpose oftreating the air and the surrounding areas.

Disclosed herein is an air treatment apparatus having an intake portion,an output portion, and a reaction chamber located between the intakeportion and output portion. The reaction chamber includes an anode railassembly and a cathode rail. The anode rail assembly has an anode railmade of a first conductive material and having a longitudinal axis, anda plurality of discharge anode elements. Each of the plurality ofdischarge anode elements has a proximal end and a distal end, such thatthe proximal ends of the discharge anode elements are fixed to the anoderail, and each of the plurality of discharge anode elements iselectrically coupled to each other and to the anode rail. The cathoderail is made of a second conductive material, and is positioned suchthat it is substantially parallel to the anode rail, such that thecathode rail is opposite the plurality of discharge anode elements. Theanode rail assembly and the cathode rail are located relative to eachother so as to form a space, wherein the space has a centrallongitudinal axis and further wherein the space separates the cathoderail from the plurality of discharge anode elements such that thedischarge anode elements do not cross the central longitudinal axis ofthe space. The air treatment apparatus may also include an intake blowerlocated in the intake portion, wherein the intake blower is configuredto draw air into the reaction chamber. The air treatment apparatus alsoincludes power supply circuitry capable of delivering sufficient energyto generate a non-thermal plasma field in the space between the anoderail assembly and the cathode rail. The air treatment apparatus mayoptionally include a sensor configured to monitor tri-atomic oxygen, andpreferably, the sensor may be located externally to the apparatus. Inone embodiment the air treatment apparatus may utilize the same materialfor the first conductive material and the second conductive material,though in another embodiment, the first conductive material may bedifferent from the second conductive material. For example, the firstconductive material and second conductive material may each be selectedfrom the group consisting of silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc,brass, steel and alloys of the foregoing elements. Optionally, at leasta portion of an outer surface of the distal ends of the discharge anodeelements may be textured to facilitate formation of plasma, includingfor example, one or more of grooves, etchings, ridges, dimplings, andpittings. The air treatment apparatus may have a cathode rail which hasan upper surface, at least a portion of which surface is textured, suchthat the textured surface faces the distal ends of the discharge anodeelements. The textured surface of the cathode rail may include, forexample, comprises one or more of grooves, etchings, ridges, dimplings,and pittings. In addition, the air treatment may include one or morefilters, either on the air intake portion or the air output portion.

Also disclosed is an ambient air treatment device, comprising: areaction chamber having an anode assembly and a cathode rail spacedopposite the anode assembly, an airflow input on a first side of theanode assembly and the cathode rail, and an airflow output on a secondside of the anode assembly and the cathode rail; and a power supplycoupled to the anode assembly and to the cathode rail capable ofgenerating a plasma field between the anode assembly and the cathoderail. The anode assembly may include a common electrical bus and aplurality of discharge anode elements extending outward from the commonelectrical bus, said discharge anode elements having a textured surfaceon a distal end for discharging electrical current. The cathode rail mayinclude one or more conductive elements placed in electrical contactwith each other so as to form an electrically-conductive, elongatedcathode having an upper face, wherein at least a portion of the upperface contains a textured surface for receiving electrical current. Theambient air treatment device can operate using different power suppliesin order to create different volumes of ROS. For example, the ambientair treatment device can operate using a power supply outputting greaterthan about 1,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz. Alternatively, theambient air treatment device can operate using a power supply outputtinggreater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 1,000Hz. Alternatively, the ambient air treatment device can operate using apower supply outputting greater than about 2,000 VAC at a frequency ofgreater than about 10,000 Hz. Each of the anode assembly and the cathoderail may be made using a conductive material comprising at least one ofsilver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, and steel. For example, theanode assembly may be made using a first conductive material selectedfrom: silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, steel, and stainlesssteel, and the cathode rail is made using a second conductive material,different from the first conductive material, selected from: silver,copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, steel, and stainless steel. Theambient air treatment device can include an elongated anode assemblyhaving a distance of D, and a cathode rail that is elongated, issubstantially flat and has a distance of less than D, wherein theplurality of discharge anode elements extend towards the cathode railbut remain spaced from the cathode rail to permit the creation of aplasma field. The textured surface on the distal end of each of theplurality of discharge anodes, as well as the textured surface on theupper surface of the cathode rail, may each be formed using a variety offormations to facilitate formation of plasma, including for example, oneor more of: a cross-hatch pattern, grooves, etchings, ridges, dimplings,and pittings. The ambient air treatment device may optionally include ablower to generate an air flow across the plasma field during operationof the ambient air treatment device.

A method of generating a non-drifting plasma field is also disclosed.The method may include the steps of: drawing air into a reactionchamber, wherein the reaction chamber having an anode rail assembly, acathode rail, and a gap located between the anode rail assembly and thecathode rail; supplying energy to the anode rail assembly to generate aplasma field in the gap between the anode rail assembly and the cathoderail; and causing the air to flow through the plasma field created inthe reaction chamber. The gap between the anode rail assembly and thecathode rail has a central longitudinal axis and further separates thecathode rail from the plurality of discharge anode elements such thatthe discharge anode elements do not cross the central longitudinal axisof the gap. The anode rail assembly includes an anode rail made of afirst conductive material and having a longitudinal axis, and aplurality of discharge anode elements. Each of the plurality ofdischarge anode elements has a proximal end and a distal end, and theproximal ends may be fixed to the anode rail, and each of the pluralityof discharge anode elements may be electrically coupled to each otherand to the anode rail. The method may be performed using discharge anodeelements having a distal end in the form of a pointed tip, andoptionally, the distal ends of the discharge anode elements have a roughsurface to assist with discharging electrical current. The cathode railis made of a second conductive material, is substantially parallel andopposite to the anode rail. The method may generate a plasma field usingpower characterized by greater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency ofabout 60 Hz. Alternatively, the method may generate a plasma field usinggreater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 1,000Hz. Alternatively, the method may generate a plasma field using greaterthan about 2,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000 Hz. Themethod may be used to create a fan-shaped non-thermal plasma field thatemanates from one or more of the plurality of discharge anode elementstowards the cathode rail. Preferably, the energy is used to create aplasma field that is substantially homogenous throughout the gap.

An ambient air treatment device capable of operating in at least twomodes is also disclosed. The ambient air treatment device includes areaction chamber having: a first anode assembly and a first cathoderail, wherein the first anode assembly has a first elongate anode railand a first plurality of discharge anode elements extending outward fromthe first elongate anode rail; a second anode assembly and a secondcathode rail, wherein the second anode assembly has a second elongateanode rail and a second plurality of discharge anode elements extendingoutward from the second elongate anode rail; an airflow input on a firstside of the first anode assembly, the first cathode rail, the secondanode assembly, and the second cathode rail; and an airflow output on asecond side of the first anode assembly, the first cathode rail, thesecond anode assembly, and the second cathode rail. In addition to thereaction chamber, the ambient air treatment device includes: a firstpower supply electrically coupled to the first anode assembly and to thefirst cathode rail capable of generating a first plasma field betweenthe first anode assembly and the first cathode rail; a second powersupply electrically coupled to the second anode assembly and to thesecond cathode rail capable of generating a second plasma field betweenthe second anode assembly and the second cathode rail; and a controlswitch. The control switch is configured to permit the ambient airtreatment device to operate in at least two modes, including a firstmode that uses the first power supply to generate a first plasma fieldand a second mode that uses the second power supply to generate a secondplasma field. Each of the first cathode rail and the second cathode railmay include one or more conductive elements placed in electrical contactwith each other so as to form an electrically-conductive, elongatedcathode having an upper face, wherein at least a portion of the upperface contains a textured surface for assisting in the generation ofplasma. The first anode assembly and said first cathode rail arepositioned in spaced relationship opposite each other, and the secondanode assembly and said second cathode rail are positioned in spacedrelationship opposite each other. Each of the first plurality ofdischarge anode elements for each of the first anode assembly and thesecond anode assembly may include a textured surface on a distal end forassisting in the generation of plasma. The first and second powersupplies preferably differ in both the magnitude and frequency of thepower source being used to generate plasma. For example, the ambient airtreatment device may have a first power supply that operates usinggreater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz, and may havea second power supply may use greater than about 1,000 VAC at afrequency of greater than about 1,000 Hz. Of course, the second powersupply may use other power characteristics as well, including forexample a second power supply that operates using greater than about2,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000 Hz. Each of thefirst and second anode assemblies and each of the first and secondcathodes rail may be made out of a conductive material comprising atleast one of silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, and steel. Forexample, each of the first and second anode assemblies may be made usinga first conductive material selected from: silver, copper, gold,aluminum, zinc, brass, steel, and stainless steel, and each of the firstand second cathode rails may be made using a second conductive material,different from the first conductive material, selected from: silver,copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, steel, and stainless steel. Thefirst anode assembly may optionally be elongated having a distance ofD1, and the first cathode rail may be elongated, substantially flat andhave a distance of less than D1. The second anode assembly mayoptionally be elongated having a distance of D2, and the second cathoderail may be elongated, substantially flat and have a distance of lessthan D2. The first plurality of discharge anode elements may extendtoward the first cathode rail, and yet remain spaced from the firstcathode rail to permit the creation of a first plasma field therebetween. Similarly, the second plurality of discharge anode elements mayextend toward the second cathode rail and yet remain spaced from thesecond cathode rail to permit the creation of a second plasma fieldthere between. The ambient air treatment device may, further comprisinga blower to generate an airflow across at least the first plasma fieldduring operation of the ambient air treatment device. The blower can beused to generate an airflow across the first and second plasma fieldsduring operation of the ambient air treatment device. The blower mayoptionally have at least two speeds, whereby the air treatment devicecan operate the blower at a lower speed when generating plasma in thefirst mode of operation, or can operate the blower at a higher speedwhen generating plasma in the second mode of operation. The texturedsurface on the distal end of each of the plurality of discharge anodesmay each be formed using a variety of formations to facilitate formationof plasma, including for example, one or more of: a cross-hatch pattern,grooves, etchings, ridges, dimplings, and pittings. Similarly, thetextured surfaces on the upper surface of the cathode rails may beformed using a variety of formations to facilitate formation of plasma,including for example, one or more of: a cross-hatch pattern, grooves,etchings, ridges, dimplings, and pittings. The first anode assembly andsecond anode assembly may be aligned along a common axis and spacedsufficiently to provide electrical isolation from each other duringoperation. Similarly, the first cathode rail and the second cathode railmay be aligned along a common axis and spaced sufficiently to provideelectrical isolation from each other during operation. The controlswitch can be configured to permit the ambient air treatment device tooperate in a first mode using the first power supply to generate a firstreactive oxygen species having a first set of characteristics and topermit the ambient air treatment device to operate in a second modeusing the second power supply to generate a second reactive oxygenspecies having a second set of characteristics, different from the firstset of characteristics. For example, the first mode may generate a firstvolume of ROS which have longer-half lives when compared to the secondmode which may generate a smaller volume of ROS with longer half-lives.The ambient air treatment device may utilize power supplies that vary interms of voltage magnitude and frequency. For example, the ambient airtreatment device may use a first power supply that generates plasmausing greater than about 5,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz, andthe second power supply may generate plasma using greater than about5,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000 Hz. Alternatively,the ambient air treatment device may use a first power supply thatgenerates plasma using greater than about 2,000 VAC at a frequency ofabout 60 Hz, and wherein the second power generates plasma using greaterthan about 1,000 VAC and a frequency of greater than about 1,000 Hz.Optionally, the control switch can be configured to permit the ambientair treatment device to operate in at least a third mode that uses thefirst power supply to generate a first plasma field while simultaneouslyusing the second power supply to generate a second plasma field.

Also disclosed is an air treatment apparatus comprising: an intakeportion and an output portion; a reaction chamber located between theintake portion and output portion, wherein the reaction chamber includesan anode rail assembly and a cathode rail assembly; an intake blowerlocated in the intake portion, wherein the intake blower is configuredto draw air into the reaction chamber; and power supply circuitrycapable of delivering sufficient energy to generate a plasma field inthe space between the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly.The anode rail assembly includes an anode rail made of a conductivematerial and having a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of dischargeanode elements, each of which elements has a proximal end and a distalend, with the proximal ends of the discharge anode elements being fixedto the anode rail, and with each of the discharge anode elements beingelectrically coupled to each other and to the anode rail. The cathoderail assembly includes a cathode rail made of a conductive material andhaving a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of cathode elements, each ofwhich elements has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximalends of the cathode elements being attached to the cathode rail, andwith each of the plurality of cathode elements being electricallycoupled to each other and to the cathode rail. Preferably, the cathoderail is substantially parallel to the anode rail, and the anode railassembly and the cathode rail assembly are spaced relative to each otherso as to form a space between them, such that the space has a centrallongitudinal axis and further separates the plurality of cathodeelements from the plurality of discharge anode elements such that thedischarge anode elements are on one side and do not cross the centrallongitudinal axis of the space and the plurality of cathode elements areon the opposite side of and do not cross the central longitudinal axisof the space. The air treatment apparatus may optionally include asensor to monitor tri-atomic oxygen. Preferably, the sensor is locatedexternally to the apparatus and wirelessly communicates with the airtreatment apparatus. While the anode rail assembly and the cathode railassembly may be made of the same conductive material, they can also beformed using different conductive materials. For example, the anode railassembly and the cathode rail assembly may be made of conductivematerials selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, gold,aluminum, zinc, brass, steel and alloys of the foregoing elements.Optionally, at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal ends ofeach of the plurality of discharge anode elements and of each of theplurality of cathode elements is textured to facilitate formation ofplasma. Optionally, the plurality of cathode elements may be spaced suchthat each of the cathode elements is equally distant from the twoclosest discharge anode elements to facilitate the generation of aplasma field in the space between the anode rail assembly and thecathode rail assembly. The power supply may generate plasma using avariety of voltage levels and frequencies. For example, the power supplycircuitry may generate plasma using greater than about 1,000 VAC at afrequency of about 60 Hz. Alternatively, the power supply circuitry maygenerate plasma using greater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency ofgreater than about 1,000 Hz. Alternatively, the power supply circuitrymay generate plasma using greater than about 2,000 VAC at a frequency ofgreater than about 10,000 Hz.

Also disclosed herein is a method of generating a plasma fieldcomprising the steps of: drawing air into a reaction chamber having ananode rail assembly, a cathode rail assembly and a gap there between;supplying energy to at least the anode rail assembly to generate aplasma field in the gap between the anode rail assembly and the cathoderail assembly; and causing the air to flow through the plasma fieldcreated in the reaction chamber. The anode rail assembly includes: ananode rail made of a conductive material and having a longitudinal axis;and a plurality of discharge anode elements; wherein each of theplurality of discharge anode elements has a proximal end and a distalend, the proximal ends of the discharge anode elements are fixed to theanode rail, and each of the plurality of discharge anode elements areelectrically coupled to each other and to the anode rail. The cathoderail assembly includes: a cathode rail made of a conductive material andhaving a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of cathode elementsextending from the cathode rail; wherein each of the plurality ofcathode elements has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal endsof the cathode elements are attached to the cathode rail, and each ofthe plurality of cathode elements are electrically coupled to each otherand to the cathode rail. The cathode rail may be substantially parallelto the anode rail; and the anode rail assembly and the cathode railassembly may be spaced relative to each other so as to form a gapbetween them. The gap has a central longitudinal axis and furtherseparates the plurality of cathode elements from the plurality ofdischarge anode elements such that the discharge anode elements are onone side and do not cross the central longitudinal axis of the gap andthe plurality of cathode elements are on the other side and do not crossthe central longitudinal axis of the gap. The distal ends of each of thedischarge anode elements and of each of the cathode elements maycomprise a pointed tip, and optionally, the distal ends of each of thedischarge anode elements and of each of the cathode elements have arough surface to assist with discharging electrical current. The step ofsupplying energy may be met by supplying energy using greater than about1,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz. Alternatively, the step ofsupplying energy may be supplying energy using greater than about 1,000VAC at a frequency of greater than about 1,000 Hz. Alternatively, thestep of supplying energy may be supplying energy using greater thanabout 5,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000 Hz.

Yet another method of generating non-thermal plasma is disclosed, whichincludes the steps of: using a first power supply to create plasma in afirst plasma field in a reaction chamber wherein the plasma created bythe first power supply includes a first volume of reactive oxygenspecies having a half-life of less than about 10 seconds and includes nomore than a second volume of a reactive oxygen species having ahalf-life of greater than about 1 minute; using a second power supply tocreate plasma in a second plasma field in the reaction chamber whereinthe plasma created by the second power supply includes less than thefirst volume of reactive oxygen species having a half-life of less thanabout 10 seconds and includes more than the second volume of a reactiveoxygen species having a half-life of greater than about 1 minute. Themethod may include operating the first power supply to generate plasmawhile the second power supply is not being used to generate plasma.Alternatively, the method may include operating the second power supplyto generate plasma while the first power supply is not being used togenerate plasma. Alternatively, the method may include operating thefirst power supply to generate plasma while simultaneously operating thesecond power supply to generate plasma. The method may include using thefirst power supply to generate plasma using energy at greater than about1,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz. Alternatively, the method mayinclude using the second power supply to generate plasma using energy ata voltage of about 1,000 VAC or greater and at a frequency of about1,000 Hz or greater.

Yet another device for generating non-thermal plasma is disclosed, whichdevice has at least two modes of operation. The multi-mode deviceincludes a reaction chamber having: a first reactor and a first powersupply to create plasma in a first plasma field, wherein the plasmacreated by the first power supply includes a first volume of reactiveoxygen species having a half-life of less than about 10 seconds andincludes no more than a second volume of a reactive oxygen specieshaving a half-life of greater than about 1 minute; and a second reactorand a second power supply to create plasma in a second plasma field,wherein the plasma created by the second power supply includes less thanthe first volume of reactive oxygen species having a half-life of lessthan about 10 seconds and includes more than the second volume of areactive oxygen species having a half-life of greater than about 1minute. Power supplies having at least one of different voltagemagnitudes and frequencies are used. For example, the first power supplycan generates plasma using energy at greater than about 1,000 VAC at afrequency of about 60 Hz, and the second power supply can generateplasma using energy having a voltage of about or greater than 1,000 VACand a frequency of about or greater than 1,000 Hz. Alternatively, thesecond power supply can generate plasma using energy having a voltage ofabout or greater than 10,000 VAC and a frequency of about or greaterthan 10,000 Hz.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the interior of the reaction chamber including the anoderail assembly and the cathode rail which make up the reactor.

FIG. 2 generally depicts a fan-shaped non-thermal plasma field that canbe generated using a single anode discharge element consistent with thereaction chamber of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the details of the anode rail assembly of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a close up drawing illustrating the details of one of theplurality of discharge anode elements of the anode rail assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a close up drawing illustrating the details of a connectionstud for securing an anode rail or cathode rail to the reaction chamber.

FIG. 6 illustrates the details of the cathode of FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating different aspects of a process bywhich air can be treated using a plasma field generated in a reactionchamber.

FIG. 8 depicts a reaction chamber having an anode rail assembly andcathode rail assembly positioned such that the plurality of anodedischarge elements face a plurality of cathode elements in a cross-pointconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for generating a non-thermalplasma field for generating ROS. The present invention relates toapparatuses and methods for treating air to help neutralize airbornecontaminants such as micro-organisms, viruses, and bacteria. The airtreatment apparatuses disclosed herein are capable of constantlyproducing non-thermal plasma discharge by means of a physical arrayhaving at least one anode and cathode (at least one of which includes aplurality of extensions) and power supplies that deliver sufficientenergy to create a non-thermal plasma field between the anode andcathode. A “corona” is a process by which a current develops from anelectrode with a high potential in a neutral fluid, usually air, byionizing that fluid to create plasma around the electrode. The ionsgenerated pass charge to nearby areas of lower potential, or recombineto form neutral gas molecules. When the potential gradient is largeenough at a point in the fluid, the fluid at that point ionizes and itbecomes conductive. Air near the electrode can become ionized (partiallyconductive), while regions more distant do not. When the air becomesconductive, it has the effect of increasing the apparent size of theconductor region. Since the new conductive region is less sharp, theionization will not extend past this local region. Outside of thisregion of ionization and conductivity, the charged particles slowly findtheir way to an oppositely charged object and are neutralized. Thenon-thermal plasma produced contains ROS that have a much higherreactivity than oxygen in the form of stable oxygen molecules. The ROSproduced include atomic oxygen, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide,superoxide anion, tri-atomic oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. The ROSattach themselves to the surfaces of pathogen at bond sites to createstrong oxidizing radicals. These radicals draw out the hydrogen that ispresent in these contaminants breaking down the surface membranes andrendering them inactive. Species within the group of ROS have differenthalf-lives. For example, it is known that hydrogen peroxide has ahalf-life of less than a second. This is in contrast to tri-atomicoxygen, i.e., ozone, for which studies and testing show that it cansustain a half-life up to 20 minutes, depending on the bio load withinthe treated area.

FIG. 1 depicts the interior of an exemplary reaction chamber 500(including the anode rail assembly 100 and the cathode rail assembly 300which make up a reactor 200. The anode rail assembly 100 includes ananode rail 101, anode discharge elements 102, and an anode rail support110. The cathode rail assembly 300 includes a cathode rail support 310and a cathode rail 301. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the anode railassembly 100 and the cathode rail assembly 300 are separated by an airgap (or space where a plasma field 205 can be generated). Whensufficient power is supplied to the reactor 200, fan-shaped non-thermalplasma fields 205 are generated which generate ROS when ambient air ispassed through the plasma field.

In some embodiments, the reaction chamber 500 may contain a plurality ofreactors 200. For example, there may be at least 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6reactors 200 within a single reaction chamber 500, and each reactor mayhave a separate power supply. In one embodiment, for example, at leastone reactor 200 is connected to a low voltage power supply at linefrequency (60 Hz) and at least one other reactor 200 is connected to ahigh voltage power supply at a much higher frequency. In yet anotherembodiment, two or more of the plurality of reactors 200 are eachconnected to its own respective high voltage power supply to permit eachindividual reactor to be powered on or off individually. In this latterembodiment, the volume of production of ROS having longer half-lives canbe varied simply by turning on or off additional reactors. By way offurther example, if two reactors are both being operated using highvoltage power supplies, one can reduce the volume of longer-half-lifeROS (e.g., ozone) by half simply by turning off one of the two reactors.

FIG. 2 generally depicts a fan-shaped non-thermal plasma field 205 thatcan be generated using a single, isolated anode discharge element 102consistent with the reaction chamber of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the details of the anode rail assembly 100 of FIG. 1.The anode rail assembly 100 includes an anode rail 101 made of a firstconductive material and has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The anoderail 101 has a plurality of discharge anode elements 102. Each of thedischarge anode elements 102 has a proximal end and a distal end. Theproximal ends of the discharge anode elements 102 can be permanently orremovable fixed to the anode rail 101. The anode rail assembly may besecured using connection studs 602 and nylon screw (not depicted) thataffix the anode rail 101 to the anode rail support 110 via the mountingpoint 120. The anode rail support 110 is made of non-conductive materialto isolate the anode rail from the other components of the reactionchamber. The connection studs 602 are preferably nylon in order toeliminate any cross connections.

FIG. 4 is a close up drawing illustrating the details of one of theplurality of discharge anode elements 102 of the anode rail assembly ofFIG. 1. The anode discharge element 102 has internal threads 104 locatedon one end to permit a conductive bolt to be connected the anodedischarge element 102 to the anode rail 101. While the discharge anodeelement 102 can be formed as a unitary piece, it can also be milled asmultiple parts and then assembled. For example, the tip 105 may beformed as part of, or be formed separately and then secured to, theanode discharge element 102. Tip 105 may be rounded or conical (asillustrated), and preferably, has a textured surface, such as a roughmilled surface, for better conductivity. Another part of the dischargeanode element 102 may be an isolation cup 107 to help control thegradient potential. The textured surface of the tip 105 can alsocomprise one or more of grooves, cross-hatching, etchings, ridges,dimplings, and pittings.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a connection stud 602. Both the anode railand cathode rail may utilize at least one connection stud 602, andpreferably, multiple connection studs 602. The connection stud 602 mayhave two sets of internal threads 604 located at each end of theconnection stud 602. This connection stud 602 is mounted to theconductive rails (e.g. anode rail 101 and cathode rail 301) at themounting points 120, 320 on the rails (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The rails arethen secured through each support rail 210, 310 using non-conductivescrews (not depicted) which mate with the threads in the connectionstuds 602. Preferably, the screws and connection studs are made ofnylon. The use of the nylon serves two requirements. One is that thescrews are non-conductive and eliminate the ability to create a crossconnection and/or short. The other is that the nylon material has theability to withstand the ROS being created within the reaction chamber.Testing has shown that tri-atomic oxygen has the ability to break downrubber and some plastics, whereas nylon can withstand the effects oftri-atomic oxygen.

FIG. 6 illustrates the details of the cathode of FIG. 1 The cathode rail301 is elongated and is substantially flat, and may be about 1-3 incheswide and at least twice as long as wide. Preferably, at least a portionof an upper surface of the cathode rail 301 is textured (as described indetail elsewhere in this specification), which is illustrated bytextured area 303, which facilitates formation of a plasma field.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating different aspects of a process bywhich air can be treated using a non-thermal plasma field generated in areaction chamber. FIG. 7 outlines a process of the present inventionwhere ambient air 400 is drawn into the reaction chamber process 402with the use of an intake turbine in step 401 (which could utilize ablower in lieu of a turbine). Once in the reaction chamber, the oxygenmolecules, through the production of non-thermal plasma, are convertedinto ROS as part of the reaction chamber process 402. Once created, theROS attach themselves to the surfaces of pathogens at bond sites tocreate strong oxidizing radicals. These radicals draw out the hydrogenthat is present in these contaminants breaking down the surfacemembranes and rendering them inactive, as part of pathogen destructionprocess 403. The treated air and some low residual species, mainlyatomic oxygen, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide are thenreleased as part of the outtake air process 404 into the treatedenvironment in step 407. The process may optionally include a sensorstep 405 to monitor ROS product from the reaction chamber process 402.Optionally, when producing certain ROS which have an extended half-life(e.g., a tri-atomic oxygen species with a half-life of 20 minutes), itmay be preferable to use a catalytic filter (such as a manganese dioxidefilter as discussed in greater detail below) to neutralize suchtri-atomic oxygen species as part of optional step 406 prior to beingreleased in the treated environment in step 407.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the reaction chamber 500 is constructed from anon-metallic chamber that houses a cross point discharge reactor 200. Ina preferred embodiment, the chamber is round to promote improvedairflow. The reactor 200 has two high voltage rails, one of which is acathode rail assembly 200 and one that is the anode rail assembly 300.The cathode rail assembly 200 may be connected to a power supply, asdescribed elsewhere herein. The anode rail assembly 100 is connected tothe output of the same power supply. The two rails are separated by anair gap where the non-thermal plasma 205 is produced. Each rail isattached the support structure with the use of nylon screws andnon-conductive connection studs 602 in order to eliminate crossconnections. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each of the anode railassembly 100 and the cathode rail assembly 300 includes a rail (anoderail 101, cathode rail 301) that has multiple discharge points/receptors(anode discharge elements 102, and cathode elements 302). Duringoperation, a plasma field 205 is generated in the gap between the anoderail assembly 100 and the cathode rail assembly 300. One of skill in theart would appreciate that the gap is determined in part based on themagnitude of the voltage being used to create the plasma field. One ofskill in the art would also appreciate that the size of the gap is alsoimpacted by the conductive material of the anode rail 101 and thecathode rail 301. Preferably, the gap is less than a few inches, andmore preferable, the gap is less than 1 inch. More preferably, the gapis less than about 0.75 inches. By way of examples, the anode assemblyand the cathode rail may be separated by an air gap of approximatelyfour inches (4″) when applying a voltage level of 5,000 volts, by an airgap of about two inches (2″) when applying a voltage level of 2,000volts, and by an air gap of less than an inch when applying a voltagelevel of 1,000 volts. One of skill in the art would understand how todesign and/or select a power supply that could be used with theinventions disclosed herein, including for example, using a power supplysuch as the OZ120WAC Ozone Power Supply by Chirk Industries, which canutilize either 95-125 VAC or 200-250 VAC and can provide power having3-20 KV and a frequency of 10 KHz to 35 Khz.

In one embodiment the invention is an air treatment apparatus. The airtreatment apparatus may have an intake portion and an output portion.The air treatment apparatus may also contain a reaction chamber locatedbetween the intake portion and output portion.

The reaction chamber may have an anode rail assembly. The anode railassembly has an anode rail made of a first conductive material and has alongitudinal axis. The anode rail also has a plurality of dischargeanode elements. Each of the plurality of discharge anode elements has aproximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the discharge anodeelements can be permanently or removably fixed to the anode rail. Eachof the plurality of discharge anode elements is electrically coupled toeach other and to the anode rail.

In some embodiments, the reaction chamber includes a cathode rail thatis made of a second conductive material. The cathode rail can be a solidmetal bar or it can comprise a plurality of metal elements electricallycoupled to each other such that they collectively serve as a rail.Preferably the plurality of metal elements are spaced adjacently to eachother so as to form a substantially continuous rail even though it maycomprise multiple elements. The cathode rail is substantially parallelto the anode rail, and preferably uniformly and evenly spaced from theanode rail. The cathode rail is located opposite from and generallyfaces the plurality of discharge anode elements. In one particularembodiment, the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail are locatedrelative to each other so as to form a space (or gap or void), whereinthe space has a central longitudinal axis and further wherein the spaceseparates the cathode rail from the plurality of discharge anodeelements such that the discharge anode elements do not cross the centrallongitudinal axis of the space. The space permits a plasma field to begenerated during operation, and preferably, the plasma field is anon-thermal plasma field.

In alternative embodiments, the apparatus includes a cathode railassembly that comprises a rail and a plurality of cathode elementsextending from the rail. Each of the plurality of cathode elements has aproximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the cathode elementscan be permanently or removably fixed to the cathode rail, and each ofthe plurality of cathode elements is electrically coupled to each otherand to the cathode rail. When the cathode rail assembly is opposite theanode rail assembly, the distal ends of the cathode elements generallyface the distal ends of the discharge anode elements. The cathodeelements may be placed directly opposite the discharge anode elements;preferably, however, the cathode elements are spaced such that each ofthe cathode elements is spaced equally distant from the two closestdischarge anode elements to facilitate the generation of a plasma fieldin the space between the anode rail assembly and the cathode railassembly. The cathode rail has an upper surface, and preferably, atleast a portion of the upper surface is textured. In some embodiments,the middle of the upper surface is textured. In some embodiments thecathode rail is at least about 1, 2, or 3 inches wide and is at leastabout 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 inches long. In some embodiments theanode rail assembly is at least about 1, 2, or 3 inches wide and is atleast about 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 inches long. Preferably, the anode railassembly is shorter in length than the cathode rail. Preferably, thetextured surface of the cathode rail faces the distal ends of thedischarge anode elements. The textured surface of the cathode rail maycomprise one or more of grooves, cross-hatching, etchings, ridges,dimplings, and pittings.

The air treatment apparatus of the embodiments discussed above may alsohave an intake blower located in the intake portion. The intake bloweris configured to draw air into the reaction chamber. The blower may beadjustable to control the flow rate of air through the reaction chamber.For example, when using a low voltage power supply and/or whengenerating ROS with very short half-lives, an airflow rate of 60-70 CFMmay be sufficient. When using a high voltage/high frequency power supply(which generates a greater volume of ROS with longer half-lives), ahigher air flow rate, for example, 120-200 CFM, may be more desirable totreat air and contaminants outside of the reaction chamber. Such aconfiguration would be preferred in environments where there is a needto treat surrounding air and surfaces, such as in an unoccupied hospitalroom in between surgeries. In addition, using different intake blowersmay be useful in treating different sized areas. For example, a 120 CFMblower can increase airflow through a reactor which then increases theability of the reactor to circulate more ROS in any given time. Anynumber of blower fans on the market could be used, including forexample, the Fantech FR100, FR110, FR125, FR140, FR200, and FR250models. One of skill in the art would select a blower fan based on theenvironment in which a treatment apparatus is being place or is expectedto be used.

In alternative embodiments, however, the air treatment apparatus may beplaced in an existing duct or other air flow where by the air is forcedto flow through the reaction chamber which will obviate the need for anintake blower being incorporated into the air treatment apparatus.

The air treatment apparatus may include power supply circuitry capableof delivering sufficient energy to generate a non-thermal plasma fieldin the space between the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail, orbetween the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly in thosealternative embodiments having the cathode rail assembly. The powersupply circuitry may comprise a line voltage power supply (usingstandard household AC (e.g., 60 Hz, 120 VAC to generate a 1,000 VAC at60 Hz)) to create a non-thermal plasma field having a first set ofcharacteristics (e.g., a production of different ROS that includes asubstantial volume of highly reactive species having relatively shorthalf-lives (e.g., less than 1 second)). The voltage may be applied tothe anode, and the cathode shares a common ground with the power supply.The power supply may utilize a transformer or other known circuitry todeliver energy at frequencies and voltages higher than those associatedwith standard household AC in order to create a non-thermal plasma fieldhaving ROS with a second set of characteristics, which are differentfrom those generated using standard AC power (e.g., a production ofdifferent ROS that includes a substantial volume of less-reactivespecies having relatively long half-lives (e.g., greater than 1 minute).For example, through testing it has been learned that high voltages,e.g., greater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about1,000 Hz, produce greater volumes of ROS having longer half-lives thanthe volumes of such ROS generated using lower voltages and frequencies,e.g., 120 VAC at 60 Hz to generate 1,000-5,000 VAC at about 60 Hz. (Forpurposes of this application, it should be understood that thereferences to frequencies greater than line frequency are intended torefer to frequency “under load”—in other words, the frequency as wouldappear during operation at the anode rail.). In other embodiments thepower supply operates using greater than about 2,000 VAC at a frequencyof greater than about 10,000 Hz. In yet other embodiments the powersupply operates using greater than about 4,000 VAC at a frequency ofgreater than about 15,000 Hz. In additional embodiments the power supplyoperates using greater than about 5,000 VAC at a frequency of greaterthan about 10,000 Hz. The high-frequency power is non-fluctuating. Oneof skill in the art would understand that a variety of power supplieshaving different voltage levels and operating frequencies could be usedwith the present inventions. One of skill in the art would select apower supply based upon the environmental conditions in which theapparatus is being used, or based upon the expected application of theapparatus. For example, where it is desired to neutralize pathogens inair, a lower voltage power supply with a lower frequency may be moredesirable because ROS with short half-lives can be effectively used tointeract with pathogens in the air. On the other hand, where it isdesired to treat a larger space, including by neutralizing pathogensthat may be on nearby surfaces, the present invention would generate ROShaving longer half-lives, and thus a higher voltage, higher frequencypower supply would be preferred.

In some embodiments, the reaction chamber 500 may contains a “splitcore”—which is characterized by the reaction chamber 500 having aplurality of reactors 200, each of which reactor can be coupled to anindependent power supply. Preferably at least one reactor 200 isconnected to a low voltage power supply having standard line frequency(around 60 Hz) and at least one reactor 200 is connected to a highvoltage power supply having a much higher frequency (e.g., more than tentimes, more than 100 times); more preferably the voltage of the highvoltage supply(ies) is much greater than the voltage of the low voltagepower supply. Preferably, each of the plurality of reactors 200 iselectrically isolated from the other reactors 200 to reduce thelikelihood of electrical interference between the plasma fields. Asurprising and unexpected benefit of the “split core” is that the lowvoltage power supply generates a greater volume of ROS that are highlyreactive, such as singlet oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide, but haverelatively short half-lives, while the high voltage power supplygenerates a greater volume of ROS which are less reactive but which havea longer half-lives (this would include, for example, ROS such asozone). Thus, depending on the environment to be treated, one couldselectively produce greater volumes of reactive species having eithershort half-lives or long half-lives by using a split-core andselectively operating a low voltage power supply and a high voltagepower supply. Moreover, as is evident from this unexpected result andfrom other discussions herein, by using multiple reactors each having alow voltage power supply, one can selectively produce a greater orlesser volume of highly reactive species having relatively shorthalf-lives by selectively turning on or off each of the low voltagepower supplies. Similarly, by using multiple reactors each having a highvoltage power supply, one can selectively produce a greater or lesservolume of less reactive species having relatively long half-lives byselectively turning on or off each of the high voltage power supplies.

The split core design permits a first power supply to be applied to thefirst reactor 200, and a second power supply to be applied to the secondreactor 200. In some embodiments the amount of power supplied to eachreactor 200 is the same, but with the split core, it is possible for thefirst and second reactors 200 to have entirely different power supplies.While the reactors 200 are electrically isolated from each other,preferably they are spaced near each other. Preferably, they are spacedin line with each other. For example, the first reactor 200 and thesecond reactor 200 may be aligned along a common axis.

In some embodiments the air treatment apparatus may include a sensorconfigured to monitor ROS levels in the area of the air treatmentapparatus. Preferably the sensor is located externally to the apparatus.The sensor may have a programmable controllable link to the reactionchamber to control the reaction chamber based on collected data receivedfrom and/or concentration levels measured by the sensor, therebypermitting a feedback control loop to optimize performance of the airtreatment device. The feedback from the sensor can be used, for exampleto adjust output levels and on/off control of the reaction chamber. Inone embodiment, the sensor may be a heated metal oxide semiconductor(HMOS) sensor for tri-atomic oxygen that works by heating a substrate toa high temperature (around 300° F.). At this temperature, the substrateis very sensitive to tri-atomic oxygen. The sensor detects the level oftri-atomic oxygen by measuring the resistance across the substrate. Thedata from the sensor is then converted into a parts-per-millionmeasurement (PPM) for tri-atomic oxygen. The programmable controllablelink may be a programmable logic controller used to monitor the datafrom the sensor to control the voltage level supplied to the reactionchamber, or turn on or off, one or more reactors in order to control thevolume of tri-atomic oxygen being produced. The sensor and theprogrammable controllable link may communicate wirelessly, for example,using Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi connection such as the 802.11 standard, andvariations thereof. One of skill in the art would also appreciate thatother controllers could be used, including for example, a microprocessorprogrammed to monitor measurements and respond to the measurements byadjusting the power supply and/or switching to a different, powersupply. In a “split core” reaction chamber 500 having a plurality ofreactors each having a high voltage power supply, the programmable linkmay turn off one or more high voltage power supplies when ozone levelsreach a predetermined threshold in the external environment. Moreover,in certain embodiment which include reaction chambers using low voltagepower supplies, it may desirable to continue to power one or more of thelow voltage power supplies even after turning off the reactors usinghigh voltage power supplies.

The first conductive material of the cathode may be different from thesecond conductive material of the anode; preferably, however, the firstconductive material is the same as the second conductive material.Preferably, the first and second conductive materials are highlyconductive. For example, the first conductive material and secondconductive material may each be silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc,brass, steel, or stainless steel, as well as alloys of the foregoingmaterials. The stainless steel may be, for example, 200 Series such as201 or 202, 300 Series such as 304 or 316, ferritic stainless steel,martensitic stainless steel, superaustentic stainless steel, or duplexstainless steel. In addition, the discharge anode elements may be madeof a conductive material that is different from the conductive materialof the anode rail.

In variations of the embodiments discussed above, at least a portion ofan outer surface of the distal ends of the discharge anode elements istextured to facilitate the discharge of electrical energy, therebyenhancing the generation of non-thermal plasma. The textured surface ofthe distal ends of the discharge anode elements may have one or more ofgrooves, cross-hatching, etchings, ridges, dimplings, and pittings. Thedistal ends of the discharge anode elements may also be shaped to form atip, such as a rounded dome or a conical tip (as illustrated in FIG. 2).

The air treatment apparatus may also have one or more filters. Forexample, the apparatus may include a manganese dioxide honeycomb filterlocated on the discharge side of the device. In this embodiment, thefilter acts as a catalyst in order to neutralize tri-atomic oxygen inthe discharged air when needed. Optionally, an additional filter may belocated on the intake side of the device, including, for example, a 30PPI filter. When placed on the intake side, the filter keeps dust out ofthe reaction chamber. Optionally, other catalytic filters known to thoseskilled in the art could be utilized on the discharge side, which couldbe used in lieu of an exhaust filter.

The anode rails functions as a common electrical bus that iselectrically coupled to a plurality of discharge anode elementsextending outward from the anode rail.

In some embodiments, the anode assembly is elongated and has a distanceof D. The cathode assembly is also elongated, is substantially flat andhas a distance of less than D. The plurality of discharge anode elementsextend towards the cathode assembly but remain spaced from the cathodeassembly to permit the creation of a non-thermal plasma field.

The various embodiments of the apparatus above may be used to performmethods of generating ROS and non-drifting non-thermal plasma fields.The methods comprise drawing air into a reaction chamber of any of theembodiments described above, supplying energy to the anode rail assemblyand the cathodes (whether cathode rails or cathode rail assemblies) togenerate a non-thermal plasma field in the space between such anodes andcathodes, and causing the air to flow through the plasma field createdin the reaction chamber.

The non-thermal plasma field created using such methods may be createdusing about 120 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz which is transformedto about 1,000-5,000 VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz. In otherembodiments the non-thermal plasma field is created using greater thanabout 1,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 1,000 Hz. In yetother embodiments the non-thermal plasma field is created using greaterthan about 2,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000 Hz. Inyet other embodiments the non-thermal plasma field is created usinggreater than about 4,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 15,000Hz. Preferably, energy of a magnitude and frequency is used to create anon-thermal plasma field that is preferably substantially homogenousthroughout the gap. The energy may be used to generate a fan-shapednon-thermal plasma field that emanates from one or more of the pluralityof discharge anode elements towards the cathode rail.

The ROS created would include but not be limited to atomic oxygen,singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, tri-atomic oxygenand hydroxyl radicals.

The embodiments described herein can also optionally include a catalyticfilter to reduce and or neutralize unwanted Tri-Atomic Oxygen (forexample, through the use of a honeycomb manganese dioxide filter). Insuch a filter, manganese dioxide or other similar reactive material maybe heated to a high temperature (e.g., 400° F.) which serves as acatalyst to break down ozone. Such a filter may be desirable for use,for example, in environments where ozone is generally undesirable (e.g.,in a hospital room during a patient's operation). If desirable, thereaction chamber could be configured to permit treated air to bypasssuch a filter altogether, and alternatively to exit through thehoneycomb filter for reduction of certain ROS. Such a configurationcould be achieved using airflow controls, for example, by using acontrollable manifold (e.g., 1:2 manifold that can direct airflowthrough the honeycomb filter or by-pass it the filter) or by using anadjustable Y-valve.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings. Those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations tothe disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthis invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward,downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below,vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentinvention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references(e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construedbroadly and may include intermediate members between a connection ofelements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting.Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from thespirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1-42. (canceled)
 43. An air treatment apparatus comprising: an intakeportion and an output portion; a reaction chamber located between theintake portion and output portion, wherein the reaction chambercomprises: an anode rail assembly comprising: an anode rail made of aconductive material and having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality ofdischarge anode elements, wherein each of the plurality of dischargeanode elements has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends ofthe discharge anode elements are fixed to the anode rail, and each ofthe plurality of discharge anode elements are electrically coupled toeach other and to the anode rail; a cathode rail assembly comprising: acathode rail made of a conductive material and having a longitudinalaxis, and a plurality of cathode elements extending from the cathoderail, wherein each of the plurality of cathode elements has a proximalend and a distal end, the proximal ends of the cathode elements areattached to the cathode rail, and each of the plurality of cathodeelements are electrically coupled to each other and to the cathode rail;wherein the cathode rail is substantially parallel to the anode rail;and wherein the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly arespaced relative to each other so as to form a space between them,wherein the space has a central longitudinal axis and further whereinthe space separates the plurality of cathode elements from the pluralityof discharge anode elements such that the discharge anode elements areon one side and do not cross the central longitudinal axis of the spaceand the plurality of cathode elements are on the other side and do notcross the central longitudinal axis of the space; an intake blowerlocated in the intake portion, wherein the intake blower is configuredto draw air into the reaction chamber; and and power supply circuitrycapable of delivering sufficient energy to generate a plasma field inthe space between the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly.44. The air treatment apparatus of claim 43, wherein the apparatusfurther comprises a sensor configured to monitor tri-atomic oxygen,wherein the sensor is located externally to the apparatus and wirelesslycommunicates with the air treatment apparatus.
 45. The air treatmentapparatus of claim 43, wherein the anode rail assembly and the cathoderail assembly are made of the same conductive material.
 46. The airtreatment apparatus of claim 43, wherein the anode rail assembly and thecathode rail assembly are made of conductive material selected from thegroup consisting of silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, brass, steeland alloys of the foregoing elements.
 47. The air treatment apparatus ofclaim 43, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the distalends of each of the plurality of discharge anode elements and of each ofthe plurality of cathode elements is textured.
 48. The air treatmentapparatus of claim 43, wherein the plurality of cathode elements arespaced such that each of the cathode elements is equally distant fromthe two closest discharge anode elements to facilitate the generation ofa plasma field in the space between the anode rail assembly and thecathode rail assembly.
 49. The ambient air treatment device of claim 43,wherein the power supply circuitry operates at greater than about 1,000VAC at a frequency of about 60 Hz.
 50. The ambient air treatment deviceof claim 43, wherein the power supply circuitry operates at greater thanabout 1,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 1,000 Hz.
 51. Theambient air treatment device of claim 43, wherein the power supplycircuitry operates at greater than about 2,000 VAC at a frequency ofgreater than about 10,000 Hz.
 52. A method of generating a plasma fieldcomprising: drawing air into a reaction chamber, wherein the reactionchamber comprises: an anode rail assembly comprising: an anode rail madeof a conductive material and having a longitudinal axis, and a pluralityof discharge anode elements, wherein each of the plurality of dischargeanode elements has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends ofthe discharge anode elements are fixed to the anode rail, and each ofthe plurality of discharge anode elements are electrically coupled toeach other and to the anode rail; a cathode rail assembly comprising: acathode rail made of a conductive material and having a longitudinalaxis, and a plurality of cathode elements extending from the cathoderail, wherein each of the plurality of cathode elements has a proximalend and a distal end, the proximal ends of the cathode elements areattached to the cathode rail, and each of the plurality of cathodeelements are electrically coupled to each other and to the cathode rail;wherein the cathode rail is substantially parallel to the anode rail;and wherein the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly arespaced relative to each other so as to form a gap between them, whereinthe gap has a central longitudinal axis and further wherein the gapseparates the plurality of cathode elements from the plurality ofdischarge anode elements such that the discharge anode elements are onone side and do not cross the central longitudinal axis of the gap andthe plurality of cathode elements are on the other side and do not crossthe central longitudinal axis of the gap; supplying energy to at leastthe anode rail assembly to generate a plasma field in the gap betweenthe anode rail assembly and the cathode rail assembly; and causing theair to flow through the plasma field created in the reaction chamber.53. The method of claim 52, wherein the distal ends of each of thedischarge anode elements and of each of the cathode elements comprise apointed tip.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the distal ends of eachof the discharge anode elements and of each of the cathode elements havea rough surface to assist with discharging electrical current.
 55. Themethod of claim 52, wherein the step of supplying energy comprisessupplying energy using greater than about 1,000 VAC at a frequency ofabout 60 Hz.
 56. The method of claim 52, wherein the step of supplyingenergy comprises supplying energy using greater than about 1000 VAC at afrequency of greater than about 1000 Hz.
 57. The method of claim 52,wherein the step of supplying energy comprises supplying energy usinggreater than about 5,000 VAC at a frequency of greater than about 10,000Hz. 58-67. (canceled)